Lake Silence (The Others #6)(55)
“You don’t have to buy more than you want in an effort to support the store,” he said. “Those women did nothing for my bottom line.”
“I like to read.” It wasn’t a snappy or clever reply, but it was the truth.
Julian rang up my purchases and deducted the total from my revolving line of credit. Me buying books on credit didn’t help his bottom line either, but I would pay him. Eventually.
He put the books in a cloth Lettuce Reed bag and held it out. I took the bag but hesitated to leave the store.
“Does the eye really look that bad?” I asked.
“Compared to what?”
Now I sighed. I’d planned to stop at the general store to pick up a few things since I wasn’t feeling up to driving to a grocery store in Crystalton or Bristol for a full load of victuals. Besides, Pops Davies carried all the basics, and he bought the food fresh from local farmers, and that included the milk, cheese, and ice cream. What more did I need? Well, I needed big sunglasses that hid half my face so I wouldn’t have to answer the “What happened to you?” question at every store I entered.
When I asked Ilya Sanguinati to spread the word about how I got hurt, he knew I wasn’t thinking about the humans in Sproing, but maybe I should let certain people know. Problem was, I really didn’t want to tell humans I had a black eye because I had a nightmare and fell out of bed.
While I considered if I really needed milk and fruit, Detective Swinn slammed into the store, looking triumphant. Officer Osgood trailed behind him, looking worried. Looking scared.
“You’re coming with me, Farrow,” Swinn said.
“Why?” Julian asked calmly.
“To answer the charges of abusive language and threats of bodily harm.”
“Come again?”
“Are you resisting?” Swinn’s expression made it clear he really wanted the smallest indication of resistance.
“I’m asking for clarification.”
“Two women made a complaint about you,” Osgood said.
“You mean the two women who marched over to the police station after insulting another customer and damaging some of my stock?” Julian asked so pleasantly I knew he was furious. “The two women who come in at least once a week to complain that I don’t carry their preferred authors? I do carry those authors, by the way, but the women would have to buy new copies of the books because I don’t have those titles as used books. Are we talking about the two women who come in and complain about what I charge for used books, saying they can get them cheaper in Bristol? The two women who bring in damaged books that I can’t possibly use and expect to be given full credit toward their next selection? Are those the women who made the complaint?”
“Julian didn’t say anything objectionable,” I said.
“No one asked you, missy,” Swinn snapped. Then he studied my face and smiled. “That’s a good look for you. Fireplug.”
Julian almost leaped over the counter, but Osgood said loudly, “Something is going on at the bank.”
Swinn had been pushing for it, hoping Julian would react. I silently thanked Osgood for the diversion. Then I looked out the bookstore’s big front window and realized it wasn’t a diversion. A mob of people crowded the sidewalk in front of the bank and no one was getting inside.
Of course. The Sanguinati had closed the bank after the end of business on Firesday. It looked like it was still closed, which was not a good way to start the workweek. I wondered if anyone had thought to put a sign on the door to let people know the bank would reopen.
“Looks like the bank is closed today.” Julian took a step back from the counter as he regained control of himself. “You might want to go over and assist with crowd control.”
“Not my job,” Swinn said.
“Neither is following up on a ludicrous complaint, but you’re here.”
Marmaduke Swinn locked eyes with Julian Farrow.
“The bank’s president sold out to save himself,” Julian said quietly. “He and the bank manager are off the game board. So is Franklin Cartwright. So are Chesnik, Baker, and Calhoun. Are you and Reynolds also pawns in someone’s scheme? What is the price of loyalty?”
The hatred that filled Swinn’s eyes was totally out of proportion to Julian’s words—unless Swinn really was a pawn in someone’s scheme.
“Someone should have put a bullet in your brain years ago,” Swinn snarled.
I froze, shocked. Osgood looked equally shocked. Maybe more so because Swinn had been his commanding officer a few days ago.
“Better men than you have tried, and I’m still here,” Julian replied.
“Your luck won’t hold forever.”
“Maybe not. But I have allies too, and I’ll let them know that if something happens to me, you should be the first person they check out.”
“That’s enough,” Grimshaw said.
I don’t know how long he’d been standing just inside the door. I didn’t see him come in, didn’t know how much he’d heard.
“Officer Osgood, go over to the bank and start dispersing the crowd. I’ve been informed that the bank will reopen tomorrow under new management. People should bring in proof of their checking and savings accounts. Every account with confirmed paperwork will be honored. Pass the message.”